Extension-table.



V. B. NELSON.

EXTENSION TABLE.

APPUCATION FILED MAR. 18. 19m.

1,181,608. Patented May 2,1916.

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THECOLUMBIA PMNDGRAPH cm, WASHINGTON, D. C.

V. B. NELSON.

EXTENSION TABLE.

. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 18. 1914.

Patented May 2,1916.

fiz/ezzl'or n cz or 1?. jyl m M M THE COLUMBIA PLANOQRAP F0 WASHINGTON, D- C- UNITED STATE PATENT @FFTQE.

VICTOR B. NELSON, OF ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO NATIONAL LOCK COMPANY, OF ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS.

EXTENSION-TABLE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented; May 2, 191%.

Application filed March 18, 1914. Serial No. 825,470.

1 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, VICTOR B. NELSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Rockford, in the county of Winnebago and State of Illinois, have invenmd certain new and useful Improvements in Extension-Tables, of which the following is a specification.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide improved means for drawing together the two sections of an extension-table top, and for locking the sections in place after they have been drawn against each other or against inserted table leaves.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for drawing together the two sections of an extension-table pedestal, and for locking said sections in closed position.

Another object of the invention is to combine the table-top operating means and the pedestal-operating means into a simple unitary mechanism capable of being conveniently actuated from a point near the perim eter of the table top.

Another object of the invention relates to means for insuring that after the table leaves have been inserted in the table top and the sections of the table have been drawn together, the pedestal shall be centrally located with respect to the table top. One of the inconveniences experienced in the adjustment of extension tables of the prior art has resulted from the fact that after the leaves were inserted and the table top pushed together, the pedestal frequently was found to be at one side or the other of the longitudinal center of the table, and had to be shifted with relation to the table top. Such adjustment of the pedestal with reference to the top involved the expenditure of considerable force, which was particularly objectionable in view of the fact that the adjustment must frequently be effected by the maid or housekeeper.

It is one of the objects of this invention to provide means whereby the pedestal shall be automatically centered with respect to the table top when the latter is drawn together.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a transverse vertical sectional view of an extension table embodying the features of my invention, the view being taken in the plane of division of the table. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the table with two leaves inserted in the top, the plane of sectron being at right angles to the plane in which Fig. 1 is taken. Fig. 3 is a view of the winding mechanism and the means for locking the winding mechanism, the operating lever being sectioned in the plane of dotted line 33 of Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a View taken from the left-hand side of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a sectional view on line 5-5 of Fig. 4:. Fig. 6 is a view similar to that of Fig. &, but showing the locking dog held out of action. Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating stops comprised in the means for automatically centering the pedestal.

The construction of the table may be of any ordinary or suitable character. Herein I have shown a table comprising two top sections 1 and 2 and two pedestal sections 3 and 4. These parts are connected together for extension in the usual way by means of pairs of extension slides 5, 6, 7 and 8. The section 1 is secured to the slides 5; the section 2 is fixed to the slides 6; the pedestal section 3 is attached to the slides 7 and the pedestal section 41- is aflixed to the slides 8.

For drawing together the table sections I provide a cable 9, one end of which cable is secured to the lower portion of the pedestal section 4: at 10. From the point 10 the cable extends around the sheave 11 mounted within the lower portion of the pedestal section 3; from thence the cable extends around a sheave 12 mounted on the upper end of the pedestal section 3. From the sheave 12 the cable is led around the sheave 13 mounted upon the lower side of the top section 2, and thence the cable extends to a winding drum 14 which is rotatably mounted upon the under side of the top section 1. The cable is connected to the drum 11. It will be seen that when the winding drum 14: is rotated in the direction to wind up the cable 9, the

table sections 1 and 2 will be drawn toward each other and the pedestal sections 8 and 4 will be drawn together. 'It will be noted that the force which serves to draw the pedestal sections together operates upon the lower ends of said sections and thus effectively resists the tendency of said sections to gape or spread apart at their lower ends.

The means for rotating the winding drum 1 1 comprises ratchet teeth 15 formed upon one of the flanges of the drum, and a hand lever or handle 16 pivotally mounted upon the shaft 17 of the drum. The shaft 17 is supported from the lower side of the table top section 1 by means of two brackets 18 and 19 having an integral base or mounting portion 20 which is secured to the section 1 by means of screws 21. Any other suitable means, however, may be used for connecti 11g the winding drum to the table.

The inner end of the handle 16 is bifurcated, and within the bifurcation is pivoted a pawl 22, said pawl being mounted upon a pivot 23. The pawl 22 is adapted to engage the ratchet teeth 15. The pawl 22 is automatically moved into and out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 15 by means comprising a three-arm spring plate 24 rotatably mounted upon the pivot 17 and interposed between the bracket 18 and a shoulder on the pivot 17. One arm of the spring plate 24 is connected to an arm 25 of the pawl 22 by means of a-pin 26. It will be seen that the spring plate 24 will be caused to turn when the handle 16 is oscillated, but the "friction between the spring plate 24 and the bracket 18 causes the spring plate to lag behind and thus causes the pawl 22 to turn on its pivot 23. Assuming the parts to be in the position shown in Fig. 6: Downward movement of the handle 16, through the lag ging of the spring plate 24, will cause the pawl 22 to be moved into engagement with the ratchet teeth 15. The return swing of the handle 16 will cause the pawl 22 to be moved out of engagement with the teeth 15. To prevent unwinding movement of the drum 14, I provide a locking dog 27 which is pivoted to the bracket 18 at 28. The dog 27 is adapted to engage the teeth 15. The dog 27 is automatically moved into and out of engagement with the teeth 15 by means generally similar to that employed for operating the pawl 22. 29 is a spring plate mounted on the pivot 17 and bearing against one side of the winding drum 14. One end of the spring plate 29 is connected to an arm 30 of the dog 27 by means of a pin 31. The extent of oscillation of the dog 27 is limited by a pin 32 set in the arm 30 and extending into an elongated opening 33 in the bracket 18. When the winding drum is rotated by means of the handle 16, the frictional contact between the spring plate 29 and the winding drum causes said springplate also to turn, thereby moving the dog 27 out of engagement with the teeth 15. The tension of the cable 9 causes the winding drum to turn backward slightly, the spring plate 29 moving with the winding drum and thus causing the dog 27 to bemoved into engagement with the teeth 15,

whereby the winding drum is locked against further reverse rotation. When the table is to be extended, the dog 27 must be moved out of engagement with the teeth 15 in order that the winding drum may revolve in the direction to pay out the cable 9. The means herein shown for moving the dog 27 out of engagement with the teeth 15 comprises a cam projection 34 on the pawl 22, said projection being arranged to engage a stud 35 on the dog 27 and thus move the dog 27 away from the teeth 15. The pressure of the projection 34 against the stud 35 is suflicient to hold the handle 16 in the position shown in Fig. 6 until the operator pulls the handle down from such position.

36 is a guide for the cable 9, said guide being fixed to the bracket 19.

The means for centering the pedestal with respect to the table top comprises a series of stops 40, 40 40 and 40 Said stops are pivoted to one of the extension slides 6 by a suitable means such as screws 41. Downward pivotal movement of the stops is limited by means of stop pins 42. A stop 43 adapted to coact with any one of the stops 40 at seq. is secured to the top of the pedestal section 4. As shown in the drawings, the rear side 44 of each of the stops 40 et seq. is beveled or inclined so that the stop may swing upwardly to pass over the stop 43, if need be, in the operation of drawing the table sections apart. Each of the stops 40 et seq. has a finger portion 45 for use in raising and lowering the stop.

The table shown in the drawings is assumed to be adapted for the insertion of four table leaves, consequently four stops 40 et seq. are provided, but it will be under-' stood that the table may be made capable of receiving any desired number of table leaves, one stop being provided for each leaf.

As stated, the stops 40 et seq. are mounted upon one of the slides 6. Said slides, it will be remembered, are secured to the top section 2. The stop 43 is secured to the pedestal section 4 which is at the same side of the table as the top section 2.

Assuming that it is desirable to extend the table and insert two table leaves 00 and y therein, the operation is as follows: The operator swings the handle 16 up until the cam projection 34 engages the stud 35 and moves the locking dog 27 out of engagement with the teeth 15. The top Section 2 is then drawn away from the section 1, the winding drum l4 rotating to unwind the cable 9. The second stop on the slide 6 (counting from the section 2), namely, the stop 40*, is then swung downward to the limit of its movement, said stop being then in the horizontal plane of the stop 43. Two table leaves are then positioned between the top sections 1 and 2. The operator now operates the handle 16 to wind up the cable 9, thereby bringing the top sections 1 and 2 into contact with the inserted table leaves, and drawing the pedestal sections 3 and 4 close together. As the cable 9 is wound up, the top'section 2 and the pedestal section 4 are moved toward each other until the stops 40 and 43 meet. The pedestal is then located centrally with respect to the table top.

If a single table leaf is to be inserted the stop 40 is lowered into th path of movement of the stop 43. If three table leaves are to be inserted the stop 40 is employed. If four table leaves are to be placed in the table top, the stop 40 is used.

It will be seen that the cable 9, the winding means, and the locking dog 27 constitute a unitary means for drawing together the pedestal sections as well as the top sections, and for locking said sections in closed relation. It will further be noted that the operating means 14 and 16 are located upon the lower side of the table top and near the perimeter of the top, where said means may be conveniently operated without the necessity of reaching and operating any parts lo cated at the center of the table as in prior constructions.

The springs 24: and 29 prevent the members 22 and 27 from dragging over the ratchet teeth 15, and thus prevent the clicking noise that otherwise would occur.

While I have herein described the present embodiment of the invention with considerable particularity, I would have it understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and construction disclosed, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an extension table, the combination of two table-top sections movable relatively to each other to permit the insertion of leaves therebetween, two pedestal sections movable relative to each other, a cable engaging all of said sections, and means for pulling the cable to draw all of the sections toward each other, the pedestal sections being movable relative to the table-top sections, whereby the former may be drawn toward each other notwithstanding the insertion of leaves between the top sections.

2. In an extension table, two table-top sections and two pedestal sections, all of said sections being independently movable, whereby the top sections may be separated with respect to each other and movable with respect to the pedestal sections to permit the insertion of leaves, and a single means operatively connected to the top and pedestal sections for drawing the top sections toward each other and drawing the pedestal sections toward each other irrespective of the presence of leaves between the top sections.

3. In an extension table, two table-top sections and two pedestal sections, all of said sections being independently movable. whereby the top sections may be separated with respect to each other and movable with respect to the pedestal sections to permit the insertion of leaves, and a single means operatively connected to the top and pedestal sections for drawing the top sections toward each other and drawing the pedestal sections together irrespective of the presence of leaves between the top sections, and means for centering the pedestal sections under the middle ofthe table top when they are drawn together.

4:. In an extension table, two tabletop sections and two pedestal sections, all of said sections being independently movable, whereby the top sections may be separated with respect to each other and movable with respect to the pedestal sections to permit the insertion of leaves, and a single means operatively connected to the top and pedestal ing under said guide and upwardly within the pedestal and across the pedestal sections at the top thereof, guide means for the cable at the upper end of the pedestal, and means attached to the table top for exerting traction upon the cable to draw the pedestal sections toward each other.

6. In an extension table, a table top, two pedestal sections movable independently with relation to said table top, a cable secured to the lower end of one of the pedestal sections, a guide secured to the lower end of the other pedestal section, said cable extending under said guide and upwardly through the pedestal and across the pedestal sections at the top thereof, a guide for the cable on the upper end of the pedestal, and winding means on the lower side of the table top, said cable extending to said winding means.

7. In an extension table, a table top and a pedestal, each divided into two sections by a common plane of division, a cable secured to the lower end of one of the pedestal sections, a guide secured to the lower end of the other pedestal section, a guide secured to the upper end of said other pedestal section, a guide secured to the top section which is at the same side of the plane of division as the first mentioned pedestal section, and a winding means secured to the other top section, said cable extending around said guides in succession and to said winding means.

8. In an extension table, two table-top sections movable toward and away from each other, a pedestal, stops connected to the pedestal and one of the table-top sections and engageable when the sections are moved toward each other, and means for moving said table-top sections and pedestal toward each other to bring the stops into coaction.

9. In an extension table, two tabletop sections movable toward and away from each other, a pedestal, a stop on said pedestal, a series oi stops connected to one of the table top sections and each movable into position to coact with the first mentioned stop as the sections are moved toward each other, and means for moving together the pedestal and the table-top section to which the series of stops is connected, to bring the stop on the pedestal and one of the stops on said tabletop section into coaction.

10. In an extension table, two table top sections movable toward and away from each other, a pedestal with respect to which the top-sections are movable, stops connected to the pedestal and one of the table-top sec tions, a cable connected tothe pedestal and engaging the last mentioned table-top section, and means for exerting traction on the cable to bring the stops into coaction.

11. In an extension table, two tabletop sections movable toward and away from each other, a pedestal with respect to which the top-sections are movable, a stop on said pedestal, a series of stops connected to one of the table-top sections and each movable into position to coact with the first mentioned stop, a cable connected to the pedestal and the last mentioned table-top section, and means for exerting traction on the cable to bring the stop on the pedestal and one of the stops on said table-top section into coaction.

12. In an extension table, two table-top sections, a pedestal, extension slides connected to said table-top sections and said pedestal, stops movably mounted at intervals upon one of the slides secured to one of the table-top sections, a stop on the pedestal arranged to coact with any of the first mentioned stops when said slide is moved inwardly, and means for drawing the tabletop sections together and for causing relative movement between the pedestal and the slide that carries the series of stops.

13. In an extension table, two table-top sections, two pedestal sections, extension slides connected to said table-top sections and pedestal sections, stops movably mounted at intervals upon one of the slides secured to one of the table-top sections, a stop on one of the pedestal sections, the last mentioned stop being arranged to coact with any of the first mentioned stops when said slide is moved inwardly, and means for drawing the table top sections together and for causing relative movement between the pedestal sections and the slide that carries the series of stops.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand in the presence of two witnesses.

VICTOR B. NELSON.

In the presence of H. IV. CAnLsoN, F. G. HOGLAND.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

' Washington, D. G. 

